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Help coming for job-hunting vets, older workers

The city of Minneapolis and the state's economic development agency are teaming up on a program to help workers over age 50 and veterans under 30 escape long-term unemployment.

They're joining with an organization from Connecticut called The WorkPlace, which has had a high success rate landing full-time employment for participants.

The initial program starts Sept. 23 and will aid 20 older workers and four veterans living in Minneapolis. Workers can apply until Sept. 6. The program typically includes five weeks of preparation and eight weeks of work experience.

It starts with job readiness training, said Deb Bahr-Helgen, the city's employment and training director. "After that, there's a subsidized work component where wages are paid by the program, allowing employers to test out candidates on the job to see if they're a good fit for the company."

Funding for the program comes from AARP Foundation, Citi Community Development and Walmart Foundation.